Einhyrningur is a mountain of 651 metres inland in South Iceland, in the Rangárþing eystra district. The name is Icelandic for "unicorn" and comes from the rock horn that stands clear at the end of the summit ridge and gives the mountain its profile from a distance. The slopes are palagonite, brown and ribbed. Nothing is built here: no bus route, no car park at the foot, no toilets or drinking water within 5 km. People come for the shape of the mountain and the empty country around it.
Einhyrningur
The name means "unicorn": a single rock horn stands clear at the end of the 651-metre summit ridge.
- Parking
- No car park at the mountain itself. The nearest parking on the map is about 4.9 km away.
- Transport
- No public transport. There is no bus stop within 5 km; arrive by car.
- Address
- Einhyrningur, 861 Iceland
What makes it special
Einhyrningur is a 651-metre mountain, and its shape is the reason to make the detour. A single rock horn stands at the end of the summit ridge, clear of the slope behind it, and the name — Icelandic for "unicorn" — comes from that horn. Seen head-on it merges into the ridge. Step round to the side and it separates and stands alone. The rock is palagonite, the brown volcanic stone formed by eruptions under ice, and it weathers into ribs and gullies rather than clean walls.
Good to know
- No facilities. There are no toilets, no drinking water and no information point within 5 km of the mountain.
- Bring supplies. Nothing is sold here. Carry water and food for the whole visit.
- No shelter. The slopes are open ground the whole way, with nothing to get behind when the wind picks up.
- In low cloud there is nothing to see. The outline of the horn is the reason to come, and cloud takes it away.
Getting there
There is no bus to Einhyrningur, so arriving means driving. One visitor called the drive in beautiful and said it can be done in a Dacia Duster. There is no car park at the foot of the mountain, and the nearest one on the map lies several kilometres off, so the approach ends on foot. Allow time for that stretch when you plan the day.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Your whole travel map in one place
Get inspired by new places around the world and find the ones worth the journey
Frequently asked questions
How high is Einhyrningur?
651 metres. The mountain stands inland in South Iceland, in the Rangárþing eystra district.What does the name mean?
Unicorn. A single horn-shaped rock stands at the end of the summit ridge and gives the mountain its name.Can you reach Einhyrningur by bus?
No. There is no bus stop within 5 km of the mountain, so visitors arrive by car.Is there anywhere to buy food or water?
No. Nothing is sold at the mountain, and there is no drinking water within 5 km. Bring what you need with you.